can experienced moms give me step by step tips on breastfeeding in public?

Answer 1

I did not breastfeed either of my children in public. It's too lovely of a bonding time for mom and baby. I wouldn't trade those private moments for the world

Answer 2

I was really shy with my first child and often went into feeding rooms but when I had my second I just didn't care. I would feed anywhere at any time and I never 'covered up' with a blanket. The way i see it, covering yourself with a blanket is telling everyone that you are doing something that shouldn't be seen. Breastfeeding is beautiful and natural. We wouldn't expect a cow and a calf to cover up so mums shouldn't either. The more people see breastfeeding the more 'normal' it will become and if anyone says anything rude just tell them where to go. Besides, it's not like you can see anything anyway, the baby's head will cover enough. Wearing a boob tube around your tummy will hide those flabby stretch marks if you are self concious about your post baby belly.

Answer 3

Wear something loose and easy to get baby into, that way you don't have to practically strip down to nurse. Once baby gets good at latching on, it's no big deal. Have baby close to your breast and latch on as quickly as possible after uncovering. You can also put a blanket over your shoulder before you uncover, but it can be hard to get baby latched on if you can't see. The blanket also depends on your and baby's preference. My daughter is not a huge fan of being covered, especially if it's warm.

Really it's not that big of a deal. I try to avoid nursing in public, but if she's hungry, what am I gonna do? A lot of people say to practice in front of a mirror, that way you can see what other people see and make sure you're covered. After a while it gets much easier and you can do it with little effort.

Also, if you are really uncomfortable nursing in public, there are often places that you can do it a little more comfortably. Today we went out and I didn't really dress for success as far as nursing was concerned (tight shirt that I'd have had to pull halfway off to nurse), and I discovered that the Dillard's ladies' room has a very nice sitting room with comfy chairs in it. No one thought twice about me in there, and I was actually much more comfortable than I'd have been on the wooden benches out in the mall. Plus, far fewer distractions for my daughter to want to look at and play with! It may take a little hunting, but if it makes you and baby more comfortable, you can look for a better place to nurse.

Good for you for doing the best thing for your baby! Keep it up, Mom!

Answer 4

Latch your baby on in front of a mirror. Notice that little or no breast is exposed, but your stretched out belly is, so decide whether or not you can live with that in public. I can't, maybe you can, whatever makes you comfortable is cool.

Next, nurse your baby in front of a group of friends or in another "safe" place. I practiced a lot at my new mother group, then with my friends. Eventually, I felt comfortable enough to nurse in public, at my in-laws and even in front of my own prudish family. I just made sure my belly was covered.

My mom made some tops for me. She made a flap in front. It was a horizontal overlap with elastic on the edges. I can't describe it well, but you can easily alter a pattern. Email me if you're interested. It looked much nicer than the stuff I found at Motherhood, and not nearly as hot.

Nursing in public often happens out of necessity. You'll find yourself out longer than you anticipated and baby gets hungry. The need to feed your baby is a powerful shyness buster! ;-)

Start using a sling and get comfortable with it. It really helps keep you covered in public. Keep your head high and be confident, mama. I come from a long line of serious prudes and if I can NIP, anyone can.

Answer 5

Hi, I am the mom of 4 boys, and I breastfed 3 of them. I breastfed them anywhere they needed fed, I just did it discretely. There are lots of ways to do it. I used a nursing blanket with a weight on it, that went over your shoulder and stayed in place even when the baby fussed. And there were also times that i just pumped in advance if I knew there wasn't a place where I could go to nurse. Good luck

Answer 6

1 - Get some tank tops that are designed for nursing or some "wife beaters" that you can pull down under your breast. Wear these under your regular shirt.

2 - Go sit in a chair in front of your bedroom mirror.

3 - Lift top shirt, lower undershirt and nurse baby.

4 - Check yourself out in the mirror. How much can you see? Are you comfortable with it?

5 - Repeat until confident, then go forth and NIP (nurse in public)

I suggest also finding a sling, pouch or wrap that is comfortable for you and learning how to nurse in that, as well. Then practice in front of the mirror until you feel confident. Oh, I also found this AWESOME video on youtube describing how to be good at NIP'ing. Check it out here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rrnxtiYmXig

Once you try it a few times, you'll be a pro!

Answer 7

First of all get clothing that can be used to breastfeed. They sell these at places like Motherhood Maturity. Second find a discreet place to breastfeed. Example at a restaurant get a booth and sit in the most interior, at a library/bookstore find a lonely corner. Get a shawl/baby sized blanket and cover. You will need to practice... you will get better as you breastfeed more.

Now you can also get a baby sling (look on ebay) and breastfeed with baby in a sling.

Answer 8

I used a blanket to nurse or pumped before going in public. A friend of mine had this thing that looked like an apron that she used that had a wire or something on top that made it bow out so you could peak in. It made it look a lot easier to nurse than using a blanket

Answer 9

Bring a blanket and cover up while you are doing it. It's really not that hard.